Getting to know the local RCMP

CHESTERMERE – In June of this year, the Chestermere RCMP detachment welcomed Cst. Kendra Kohalmi to the team.

The 23-year-old, who is from Manitoba originally, accepted her first posting in Chestermere after completing her training at the end of May. She said that in the five months she has been here, she has already seen and learned a lot.

“I’ve been involved in a few good cases since I’ve been here, there were a few high priority things which were good to be a part of,” she said. “There’s always a wide variety of things going on.

“It’s diverse and exciting.”

Kohalmi said that enjoys being in Chestermere because it is so close to the big city, and because there is so much going on.

“It’s growing so rapidly and things are always happening,” she said. “I’ve actually never lived in such a big place – it’s never boring here – and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Kohalmi said that she lived in Manitoba her whole life before moving to Chestermere. She went to university for a few years studying geology, but soon changed her mind about what she wanted for the future.

She said that she always wanted to be a police officer, as she has friends and family who are as well.

“Hearing their stories always made me want to pursue it all the more,” she said. “My whole family and many of my friends inspired me, I’ve always had their support.”

Besides being passionate and driven about the career itself, Kohalmi said that she was also aware that the RCMP was in need of more female officers. She said that being a female helps in certain situations, such as with domestics, so she is glad she can be there to assist when needed.

Kohalmi said that she hasn’t chosen to specialize in anything yet, as she is waiting to see what all she can learn.

“I’m loving it so far, it’s the best job in the world,” she said. “It’s great to be part of an organization that is so well known and respected all around the world.”